Attorneys apply to fill interim vacancy in 14th Judicial Circuit

Friday

Feb 1, 2013 at 11:45 AM

10 apply to join the bench

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride announced Thursday the names of 10 attorneys who have applied to fill a judicial vacancy in the 14th Judicial Circuit.The circuit covers Henry, Rock Island, Mercer and Whiteside counties.Applying for the vacancy were David W. Andich of Rock Island; Associate Judge Raymond J. Conklin of Moline; Marita M. Griffith of Moline; Norma Kauzlarich of Taylor Ridge; Christine A. Keys of Bettendorf, Iowa; Michael J. Kraycinovich, currently in the Army stationed in Alabama; Kathleen E. Mesich of Coal Valley; Benjamin J. Samuelson of Moline; Katherine Varlas Teel of Rock Island; and Linnea E. Thompson of Moline.The Illinois Constitution authorizes the Supreme Court to fill Circuit Court vacancies on an interim basis. Kilbride uses an extensive application, evaluation and interview process to make a recommendation to the court for judicial vacancies.Next will be background checks by law enforcement and with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Kilbride also will use a poll of all attorneys in the 14th Circuit. The Illinois State Bar Association will conduct the poll, asking attorneys their opinions of the applicants’ integrity, temperament, legal ability, management skills and other professional qualifications. Kilbride also will appoint a judicial screening committee made up of representatives from the community, including non-lawyers and members of the legal profession, to evaluate the candidates. The names of the committee members will be announced later.Written comments about the candidates may be sent to Judge Appointment Comments, 14th Judicial Circuit, Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, 3101 Old Jacksonville Road, Springfield, Ill., 62704. Comments must arrive by Friday, March 1. Comments must include contact information such as name and address, and should be brief, preferably no more than 250 words. Notice of the vacancy and the appointment process was posted Nov. 19, at courthouses in the 14th Circuit.Applicants must possess are a reputation for integrity and good character; a commitment to equal justice under the law; outstanding legal ability and competence; and the appropriate demeanor, character and personality necessary for the judicial temperament required by a Circuit Court judge.The person appointed to fill the vacancy will serve until Dec. 1, 2014, when the position will be filled by the 2014 general election.

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